This is the 10th Christmas that UK forces have spent looking out on to Afghanistan's seemingly untamed landscape. But while no one is clamouring to say it there have been too many false dawns there is a feeling in the air that, as yet another year of the campaign comes to a close, a corner has been turned.
...Commanders are understandably reticent about trumpeting success in Helmand but they are getting close enough to whisper phrases such as "irreversible gains" and "unstoppable momentum".
They also mention "virtuous circles", one of which will become apparent in early spring with the next poppy harvest. If it is like last year's low yield due in part to the farmers' fear of eradication, which led them to harvest too early then there will be less money for the insurgents. That means fewer guns, bombs and hired foot-soldiers, which in turn means a less cowed population who will be more inclined to believe Nato's promises of security.
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